Thanks John for sending the update. It actually makes me feel less quilty, a bit uplifted and not alone. Aana Sent from my i > On Nov 15, 2020, at 10:44 PM, John Boyden <john(a)jsboyden.com> wrote: > >  > All, > > Thank you all for your openness in sharing. So many great and heartfelt comments. You have encapsulated this year of the pandemic from the viewpoint of our band family. Your comments have been encouraging just hearing from each of you. There are no clear answers aside from ending the pandemic and getting to a new normal. I have tried to summarize most of your comments (not nearly as eloquently) here. Feel free to add your comments. > > * Family, health concerns and work come first. Piping and drumming somewhere after that. It’s a hobby that’s taking a back seat for now. > > * During Covid-19, those with family to support in addition to working full time find it hard to commit to practicing. Give our members room / slack, time to deal with pandemic, then band later. > > * Frustrating to some that G4 members commitment to keep playing, memorizing and supporting practices has waned during the pandemic. > > * Finding time to practice, memorizing music, keep the pipes going, and stamina up is difficult right now. > > * Most, if not all, pipe bands are finding it hard to engage band members. > > * With the pandemic, it’s hard to be and stay motivated; it is easy to procrastinate. > > * Keep Team Snap updated well in advance. And everyone should add availability in a timely manner. Especially for in person practices. It’s OK to say no, but update anyway. > > * One on one practice via Zoom with the PM rather than a full band practice via Zoom would be great. Having targeted and focused attention would be helpful. > > * Frustrating that only a few pipers and drummers regularly show up for practice. But it is a remnant that will also rekindle the band when we can re-engage. > > * The annual meeting was telling: 50+ members, and only a handful called in, let alone voting. > > * It would be fun to play some public / neighborhood gigs together. Helps motivate. > > * Cancelling G4 is not in the cards; How to best keep it going in the meantime is important to keep talking about. > > We all appreciate Adam, Neil and lead drummers for their commitment to both bands! What an encouragement they are. And that a few pipers and drummers still find the time and interest to engage in continuing to play. That's great! > > This much I know; that during the pandemic, priorities shift and that it's OK not to be piping and drumming. No need to feel frustrated by it or feel guilt over it. After nine months, we are all feeling it. For those who desire right now to keep playing, take heart and keep playing; it's great therapy. It is encouraging to know that you are ALL out there, surviving fires, health challenges, job, school and family stress, let alone piping and drumming, During a normal year we see each other weekly, encourage each other and have common goals that bring us together. Maybe just staying connected is one key to keeping our band prepared to embrace a brighter future. > > Keep calm and carry on. > Keep calm and wash your hands and wear your mask. > Keep calm and keep piping and drumming. > > Regards, > John > > John Boyden > m:1-408-839-5025 > > >> On Sun, Nov 15, 2020 at 1:39 PM Laura Boothby <lauraboothby(a)hotmail.com> wrote: >> Thank you Paul - >> >> Well said! Personally, my family and my students come first. They need so much of my time and energy and at the end of the day, I'm to drained to even think about bagpipes. Unfortunately, bagpipes have had to take a back seat, but it is so comforting to know that the pilot light is on with the band! I will try to come when I can. >> >> Thanks >> >> Laura >> >> From: Paul Olson via G4 <g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org> >> Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2020 1:36 PM >> To: gspeed60(a)gmail.com <gspeed60(a)gmail.com>; home(a)anmlwnz.com <home(a)anmlwnz.com> >> Cc: notcar24(a)hotmail.com <notcar24(a)hotmail.com>; shute.the.piper(a)gmail.com <shute.the.piper(a)gmail.com>; dodger77(a)sbcglobal.net <dodger77(a)sbcglobal.net>; g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org <g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org> >> Subject: [G4] Re: SVPB G4 Dialog >> >> I think we should cut the membership a lot of slack. These are unprecedented times. Few, if any of us have lived through a pandemic such as this. If we are lucky, we are able to keep employed during this time. Although, I would also think most have the possibility of a lay off threat to worry about. Kids or grandkids are at home during the week for virtual or home schooling. Everyone's life has been turned upside down. I personally find that I am so emotionally drained that after work I want to do nothing. >> >> Once we get through this people will come back. In the mean time we should keep the pilot light on to keep a solid core corps ready to accommodate those ready to re-engage. I would think that for most if not all, just knowing that the band is still operating even at a reduced level provides some comfort during these difficult times. >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Gary Speed <gspeed60(a)gmail.com> >> To: Williams Home <home(a)anmlwnz.com> >> Cc: Jeff Gordon <notcar24(a)hotmail.com>; Christina Shute <shute.the.piper(a)gmail.com>; Dodger Posey <dodger77(a)sbcglobal.net>; g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org <g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org> >> Sent: Thu, Nov 12, 2020 7:49 am >> Subject: [G4] Re: SVPB G4 Dialog >> >> I dont think we should cancel grade 4, people might migrate to other bands just to keep themselves going. Right now I dont think the Queen Mary is going to happen and Woodland is doubtful. >> When we have games that we all want to play in we push ourselves to learn the music, we dont have that right now. I actually want to go to practice but I can't drive just yet. >> If I have a vote I would vote to keep it going and really press everyone to make zoom practice. But zoom cuts out to much lol. >> >> >> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020, 9:09 PM Williams Home <home(a)anmlwnz.com> wrote: >> I would like to add my thoughts to the group. >> I find it very frustrating to have practice when the same people show up wanting to learn.The others for their own personal reasons can't show up or just can not be bothered. >> If we can not start getting numbers to practice with the music off I think we should cancel grade 4 until everything is back to normal,which may be a wee while. >> My motivation has taken quite a hit with this group,drummers are keen and show up regularly,why can't the pipers. >> I welcome your thoughts,am I been a bit harsh? >> Neil >> >> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 8:13 PM Jeff Gordon <notcar24(a)hotmail.com> wrote: >> John, first off -- thank you for initiating a conversation, one that's needed. I think it's vitally important to -- as you put it simply -- keep the whole band (both bands, G3 and G4) going during this time. It's a shame that the pandemic happened just as we were on a great upward trajectory and enjoying such rapid growth and improvement. We've lost a lot of momentum, which makes it even more imperative to try to keep from backsliding further. Because once we do get going again -- back to "normal" -- doing contests and gigs and parades, we have a bright future. And it's a great group of people that enjoys being together and doing what we do. I'd hate to see people start drifting away. >> >> And I'm fairly optimistic that we will get past the pandemic, as bad as it is, by the middle of next year. It won't be too much longer before vaccines and therapeutics will be available, and a new administration is making the battle against the virus a top priority. >> >> In the meantime, I think it's great and it's helpful that we're meeting every Sunday at the park -- please, everybody, keep coming out there whenever you can. The more people we have, the better. The other things I'd like to see us do, in small groups, are the little neighborhood mini-parades occasionally like we were doing a couple months ago, and maybe some "pop-up" performances (flash-mob kind of stuff) -- there are certain locations, like park bandstands or Murphy Street in Sunnyvale outside of pubs for example, where that could be done to entertain small audiences (and if we can do it without violating health restrictions of course). >> >> As far as those of us who don't have some of the music memorized yet (and I'm one) ... yes, unfortunately it's been a little too easy to procrastinate under the circumstances. What I'm going to do -- and hopefully this will motivate me sufficiently and may work for some other people too -- is "take the pledge," so to speak. I will commit to you all publicly that I'll have at least one set memorized by practice this coming Sunday. Who else .... step up. >> >> Jeff >> >> From: Christina Shute <shute.the.piper(a)gmail.com> >> Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 7:11 PM >> To: g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org <g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org> >> Subject: [G4] Re: SVPB G4 Dialog >> >> I think a good place to start is to have Team Snap updated well in advance. And for everyone to put in their availability in a timely manner. Especially for in person practices. Also, just as is (or was) being done with G3, one on one practice via Zoom with the PM rather than a full band practice via Zoom. Having targeted and focused attention would be helpful. >> >> On Nov 11, 2020, at 11:18, Gary Speed <gspeed60(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>  >> Hi, I am limited as to what I can do because I am so far away. But I am willing to do what ever longisticly I can. >> I must admit its been difficult for me to keep motivated but my family has helped with that lol. I have not worked since March 2020 and having two surgeries its has created its own issues. >> I know other bands are having the same issues as we are. I liked the Zoom meetings, it forced me to be ready. >> If I can drive I hope to make Sunday practice it just depends if the doctor releases me to drive. I have that appointment on Friday. >> I am willing to do whatever I can to help the band given my location issues. >> >> >> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020, 10:14 AM John Boyden <john(a)jsboyden.com> wrote: >> Hi Gang, >> >> Last Sunday we had a G4 practice in the park. Besides Adam and Neil we had four of us in attendance (one for the first time since meeting at St Andrews). Pretty slim showing even with the possibility of cold and rain. >> >> I am hoping to start a dialog on Slack, but not everyone is using it. So email it can be. The dialog is about keeping the G4 band (both bands really) going during Covid-19. >> >> Understanding that we have neither performances nor competitions to prepare for, how do you think we can maintain performance and competition worthiness? Or do we? What would you sign up for to help keep your band going? What would you like to try that's new? How do you stay motivated to practice chanter, pipes, pads and drums? Perhaps you are thinking, let's just wait out the pandemic and then I'll pick up my sticks and pipes when there is a highland games on the horizon. With temperatures cooling and daylight fading, where do you practice? What works for you on a daily and weekly basis? >> >> Also recognizing that there are emotional and economic pressures that come from almost nine months of living through these tumultuous times, how can the band help motivate you to just enjoy your hobby and musical passion (forget about performances / competitions)? >> >> Let's dialog. If you'd rather email or speak in person, let me know for a private chat. >> >> >> PS: >> Here is one tool that St. Laurence O'Toole is using during the shelter in place. Performance worthy chanters and pads. If nothing else, it's fun to listen to. >> >> https://youtu.be/QUSayycia5Q >> >> Regards, >> John >> >> John Boyden >> m:1-408-839-5025 >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> _______________________________________________ >> G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org >> To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org > _______________________________________________ > G4 mailing list -- g4(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org > To unsubscribe send an email to g4-leave(a)lists.siliconvalleypipeband.org